Chickens & Livestock: Manteca vs Stockton
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Manteca, CA and Stockton, CA?
Manteca has fewer restrictions than Stockton.
Manteca, CA
San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County is heavily agricultural, and livestock is broadly permitted. Chickens (including roosters), goats, horses, and cattle are allowed as-of-right in AG, AU, and AG-80 zones on appropriate lot sizes. Residential zones (R-R, R-L) allow limited poultry with coop setbacks; the Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5) protects existing ag operations from nuisance complaints.
View full Manteca rules →Stockton, CA
San Joaquin County
Stockton allows hen chickens and ducks on residential lots under SMC 16.80.060. Roosters are banned citywide. Coops must be 20+ feet from neighboring dwellings. No permit required.
View full Stockton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Manteca | Stockton |
|---|---|---|
| AG Zones | Livestock permitted — no limits | - |
| R-R (1+ acre) | 6 hens + 4-H livestock | - |
| R-L Suburban | 4 hens, no roosters | - |
| Setback | 20 ft coop to dwelling | - |
| Right to Farm | Civil Code §3482.5 | - |
| Code Section | - | SMC 16.80.060 |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited citywide |
| Enclosure Setback | - | 20 feet from neighbor dwelling |
| Location | - | Side/rear yard only |
| Permit Required | - | No |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Manteca FAQ
Can I keep a rooster in unincorporated San Joaquin County?
Yes on any AG, AG-40, AG-80, AU, or most R-R parcels. In R-L (suburban residential) and denser zones, roosters are typically prohibited regardless of lot size.
My neighbor's dairy smells — can I sue?
Generally no. If the dairy was operating before you moved in and has run for 3+ years without substantial change, California's Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5) bars nuisance actions.
Stockton FAQ
How many chickens can I have in Stockton?
The maximum number of hen chickens and ducks is set by Table 3-14 in the Development Code, which varies by lot size and zoning district. No roosters are allowed anywhere in the City.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Stockton?
No permit is required. However, you must comply with SMC 16.80.060 requirements including a 20-foot setback from neighboring dwellings, rear or side yard placement behind a solid fence, and confinement in an enclosure when unsupervised.
Can I keep pigs or goats in Stockton?
Hogs, pigs, and shoats are expressly prohibited within Stockton City limits. Goats and other livestock are only permitted in zones that specifically allow agricultural uses.
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